[34] Homunculus II

Despite Princess Ariel's awareness of who is responsible for the recent abductions of noble girls and the immoral actions that followed, she finds herself trapped in a difficult situation. Prime Minister Darius Silva Ganius, a repugnant man who behaves like a gluttonous pig, wields enormous power over the kingdom. This situation is clearly a major issue.

{AN: I really want to berate this character further, but it's enough for the Mushoku fans to understand how revolting he is.}

However, Ash Costantine possesses power beyond the reach of the government, making it impossible for Darius to touch him. Several precautionary measures taken by Ash would also trouble subsequent companies. Darius can only resort to crude attacks through assassination but cannot uncover Ash's actions that will eventually expose all his dirty secrets. When the time comes, Darius will be disgraced, and not only himself but also his family and descendants will bear the consequences.

For now, Ash Costantine prefers to observe from the sidelines. The man will be traveling again, and what will truly help Princess Ariel are his adopted children.

---

As time passed, representatives from the Purplehorse family finally arrived at the Costantine Company office to retrieve their daughter. Tristina, the girl who had become quite fond of Ash's adopted children, had formed a close bond with them. Yet, there were some wary glances from her when facing Zephyr. It seemed that in the future, Zephyr would face challenges in romantic relationships unless Ash provided proper guidance on the matter.

But that was a concern for later.

"For everything, thank you for the help you've given, Mr Costantine!" expressed Freitas Purplehorse, Tristina's father, with deep gratitude. He had come personally to collect his daughter and bowed respectfully at a 90-degree angle before Ash, who was then in his human appearance.

"Ahahaha~ Please, Mr Purplehorse, relax!" Ash responded warmly. "I am very grateful that my adopted children handled the attackers so well. I am also very proud of them!"

"If you don't mind, could we talk inside?" Ash politely gestured towards the room behind him.

Freitas raised an eyebrow with curiosity. "Hmm? Ah, very well. I'd like to hear the story directly from my daughter and also express my thanks for your adopted children's help."

They both laughed warmly and walked leisurely into the elegantly styled room. Freitas, with an amazed gaze, took in the view of the sophisticated and well-maintained office. The room truly reflected the high standards maintained by Ash.

They sat on plush sofas facing each other, while Tristina sat beside her father. Zephyr and Aurelia stood behind Ash, although they were invited to sit, they preferred to remain standing.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Tristina began recounting the actual events that made Freitas seethe with anger. As a ruler and generally calm man, Freitas's expression turned furious when he learned who was behind the attack.

"It's no wonder," Ash said calmly, "after all, that person is a lolicon. We've had several encounters with his subordinates."

Freitas looked surprised by Ash's extraordinary calmness. Despite being in the midst of a dangerous situation, Ash remained composed.

"I know," Freitas said with a tone of desperation. "Other nobles also often experience kidnappings or accidents befalling their daughters, but those are just reports released by the kingdom. The fact is, Darius— that repugnant pig—has an interest in my daughter!" Freitas's hand clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palm, his teeth grinding in anger that he could not release.

The man sitting with a calm expression on his face understood the helplessness faced by people like them. When given power, there are always those who can harm many. After calming himself, Ash continued the conversation with a more formal tone, like a salesman making a pitch.

"Because of my desire to expand the Costantine Company further, I hope for your cooperation," Ash continued with a confident voice.

"Of course! What would you like me to do?" Freitas asked enthusiastically, his eyes shining with eagerness.

"Not much, Mr Purplehorse," Ash replied in a firm but friendly tone. "Unlike Philip Boreas, who did not accommodate me in the Fittoa region, you might have anticipated this."

Freitas nodded, quickly understanding the situation. The main family of the Boreas nobility indeed sided with the First Prince. Indirectly, Darius was involved after learning about the opening of a Costantine branch in the Fittoa region. However, Freitas was the sole head of his family. Although not as large or prosperous as Fittoa, his region was suitable for establishing a company base elsewhere, far from Darius's influence.

"That's a very good idea, Mr Costantine! But why in our region? I've heard rumours that even neighbouring kingdoms have come to ask you to open a branch in their regions."

"The answer is simple, Mr Freitas," Ash explained confidently. "I do not trust those people. I understand their intentions, and their proposed terms seemed unreasonable to me. Therefore, I hope you can facilitate these terms."

Freitas pondered for a moment, clearly considering all aspects of Ash's explanation. His expression showed a mix of astonishment and seriousness. In front of him, the file given by Aurelia contained details of the offer from Ash, and the promised benefits seemed very tempting.

"Aurelia, bring that file here," Ash said without shifting his gaze from Freitas.

Aurelia, with elegant and trained movements, walked to Ash's desk. She picked up a file from the neat stack of documents and returned to Freitas, presenting the file with utmost courtesy.

"Please read it, sir," Ash said attentively.

Freitas took the file, flipping through its pages, his eyes widening as he read the entire document. His face clearly showed shock as he realised the enormous benefits they would gain from this agreement. "You're seriously offering us this kind of benefit?" he asked, his voice full of amazement and a hint of skepticism.

"Indeed," Ash replied calmly. "I understand that this offer may be surprising. However, what others cannot provide is the freedom to manage products and raw materials. They even increased the price of the agreement tenfold, which I could not accept."

Ash explained that others, such as the Boreas family and other rulers, offered unfair agreements by drastically increasing prices. They also did not provide the freedom Ash needed to manage products and raw materials in the way he desired. This added burden and risk for Ash. In exchange, Ash offered much greater benefits to Freitas, hoping to gain freedom in operations and management, something Ash valued greatly.

Freitas stroked his chin, seriously contemplating the terms of the agreement. His expression reflected the depth of his consideration. He realised that if he accepted this agreement, the Costantine Group would have significant influence over the economic dynamics of his region. This could mean a major change in the economic and power dynamics in his territory. Although the offered benefits were highly tempting, this decision could not be made lightly. Freitas had to carefully consider the impact on his family and the region he led.

"Father, can't we accept this offer?" Tristina asked with shining eyes, clutching the end of her father's sleeve with hope.

Freitas looked at his daughter with affection but also sadness. "Ahem, Tristina, we cannot. Such matters must be discussed first with your grandfather. If he learns that I made a decision without his consent, I could be in serious trouble," Freitas said with regret, his face showing the weight of this decision.

"I understand that your decision must be discussed first with your family, and of course, I cannot stop you from doing that. However, from now on, you may not deal directly with me as there are some important matters I must attend to. For future matters, you will be in contact with my vice-chairman." Ash signalled someone outside the room to come in.

When the door opened, a young, handsome man stepped in. He had shiny black hair and bright yellow eyes that seemed to glow. His appearance was striking, clad in very conspicuous and luxurious attire. He wore a suit made of high-quality material with a design reminiscent of the 19th century's early industrial revolution in Europe. The suit consisted of a form-fitting long coat, paired with a crisp white shirt and a neatly tied tie. His coat was adorned with fine embroidery that indicated his wealth and status, and his trousers were equally well-tailored and elegant.

"Allow me to introduce my vice-chairman, Raphael," Ash said, presenting the young man with admiration.

Raphael stood with a very poised and polite demeanor, but there was a charismatic aura surrounding him. He exuded professionalism and confidence, showing that he was highly competent in his role.